* The search is on for a female lead for the Steve Carell/Jim Carrey comedy, Burt Wonderstone, about a failing old school magician upstaged by a hip rival. Sarah Silverman, Olivia Wilde(of course), Michelle Monaghan, Judy Greer, and Jessica Biel are the list of contenders for the unspecified role. Personal preference? Silverman, of course, who I keep hoping will find a way to bring her raw brand of comedy to the mainstream. Otherwise I'd say go with Judy Greer, an underrated character actress for years who deserves a real shot. Everybody else I'm bored to death of. [Deadline]
* Stories about a possible sequel to Roland Emmerich's breakthrough sci-fi hit, Independence Day, have been floating around for years. With the director making the rounds promoting his new film, Anonymous, obviously discussion turned in that direction, with him saying "It's happening soon". What does that mean? Vulture says the plan is to shoot the next two movies back-to-back possibly as early as next year, depending on how fast the script can be turned in. Most people don't care unless Will Smith returns, and it looks like he may if the conditions are right. The Fresh Prince is asking for a hefty $50M pay day to reprise his role as Captain Stephen Hiller, which is already ludicrous enough. But then there are reports he's demanding a role for his wife Jada(they're still together??) and son, Jaden. This one's still up in the air but worth keeping an eye on, as the films may shoot whether Smith comes back or not. I'm one of the few who hated Independence Day, but I'd be curious to see what they could do for a follow-up.
